Lieutenant Jim Perez says coyote sightings are frequent in town, though this is the first time a pet has been killed.

Perez warned residents should never let their dogs out unleashed or out of sight.

“Coyotes can be distracted by loud noises, so if they have a flashlight big enough where they can bang against something or make noise, they can also scream and yell loudly. That will stun the coyote at times and then scare them off,” said Perez.

It’s important to report any sightings to the police, said Perez. Local police are working with the state to track them in town.